Artwork Page for Box with Ink Cakes (lid)

Details / Information for Box with Ink Cakes (lid)

Box with Ink Cakes (lid)

1795–1820

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Jiaqing reign

(1795-1820)
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Medium
lacquer and silk box
Measurements
Case: 26.4 x 19.1 cm (10 3/8 x 7 1/2 in.); Lid: 26.5 x 19.2 cm (10 7/16 x 7 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Henry W. Kent 1942.206.b
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Ink cakes (also called ink sticks) are dissolved with the addition of water and then ground on the surface of a flat square stone into liquid ink for painting and calligraphy. The precious ink cakes here, however, have never been used.

The inscription on the side of the blue ink cake says that the set was commissioned by Chen Huai, governor of Jiangxi province.
A rectangular lacquer lid features a black background framed by gold rectangular spirals. In gold within this border, two scaly dragons face a central vertical column of four characters, weaving through stylized clouds. Red flame-like motifs surround a small circle at the bottom. The symmetrical composition combines intricate gold-detailed patterns with bold red accents highlighting the dragons' fins and the central flame motif.

Box with Ink Cakes (lid)

1795–1820

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Jiaqing reign (1795-1820)

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